About The Song
Released in 1963, Please Please Me was a whirlwind of sound. It captured the raw energy of the band’s live performances, a sound honed in countless gigs across the clubs of Hamburg and Liverpool. While the album primarily featured original compositions by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it also included a handful of well-chosen covers. These covers served a dual purpose: they allowed the band to pay homage to their musical influences and further demonstrate their versatility.
“Anna (Go To Him)” falls squarely in the latter category. Originally written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Arthur Alexander in 1962, the song is a prime example of the soulful Southern Rock and Roll that captivated the young Beatles. The song’s protagonist, a lovelorn young man, pleads with a girl named Anna to return to her former flame. The lyrics, though simple, resonate with a youthful yearning and desperation that would become a recurring theme in many Beatles songs.
The Beatles’ rendition of “Anna (Go To Him)” is a masterclass in capturing the essence of a song. John Lennon takes the lead vocals, his raw and powerful delivery perfectly conveying the emotional turmoil of the lyrics. Paul McCartney provides solid backing vocals, while George Harrison’s distinctive guitar work adds a touch of country twang to the mix. Ringo Starr, as always, lays down a steady, driving beat that propels the song forward.
“Anna (Go To Him)” may not be one of the Beatles’ most well-known songs, but it holds a special place in their history. It serves as a reminder of their early influences and their ability to transform any song into their own. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and let yourself be transported back to the heady days of Beatlemania with this little gem from Please Please Me.